Friday, February 24, 2012

either/or

Elliott Smith expanded his sound ever-so-slightly for the dreamy, existential, acoustic grace of his third album. 'Either/Or' features the addition of new instrumentation, including bass, drums, keyboards, and electric guitar; all of them played by Smith himself. At the time Smith said, "I got my own 8-track and stuff to do my solo stuff on; and I also got a drum set; and I borrowed a bass; so now I'm doing songs that have bass and stuff." 'Either/Or' takes its title from by Søren Kierkegaard's dualistic book of philosophy, which Smith had studied at Hampshire College. Produced by Smith with Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf, the album was recorded at various locations including Smith's house, Joanna Bolme's house, Heatmiser House, The Shop, Undercover, Inc., and Laundry Rules Recording. The album was released on Kill Rock Stars and three of the songs were featured in the film 'Good Will Hunting'. Two of them were recorded live for Jem Cohen's short film 'Lucky Three: An Elliott Smith Portrait'.

"He's pleased to meet you underneath the horseIn the cathedral with the glass stained blackSinging sweet high notes that echo backTo destroy their masterMay be a long time til you get the call-upBut it's sure as fate and hard as your luckNo one'll know where you areIt's just a brief smile crossing your faceRunning speed trials still standing in place"

'Between the Bars'

"Drink up, baby, look at the starsI'll kiss you again, between the barsWhere I'm seeing you there, with your hands in the airWaiting to finally be caught"

'Angeles'"Don't start me trying nowUh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh'Cause I'm all over it, AngelesI can make you satisfied inEverything you doAll your secret wishes could rightNow be coming trueAnd be forever with my poison armsAround youNo one's gonna fool around with usNo one's gonna fool around with usSo glad to meet'cha, Angeles"

'Say Yes'"And I could be another fool or an exception to the ruleYou tell me the morning afterCrooked spin can't come to restI'm damaged bad at bestShe'll decide what she wantsI'll probably be the last to knowNo one says until it shows and you see how it isThey want you or they don'tSay yesI'm in love with the world through the eyes of a girlWho's still around the morning after"